FULL OF EASTERN PROMISE AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL, HYDE PARK LONDON
Five-star hotels are like palaces, they all have that different feel, smell and atmosphere about them, but yet visiting Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park, London, it has that wonderful mystic eastern presence the moment you walk through the doors.
The site of Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, is the site of the oldest skyscraper in London. When the concerned residents of the area raised building objections, they said it would block the views over famous Hyde Park. I would hate to think what the residents would say now about Knightsbridge, London’s landscape has changed beyond all belief in the last ten years.
In any city in the world, especially London or New York, space is a premium. When designing a spa, gym or pool, Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park, London, has probably the largest area of any spa in London. The reception is about 15 years old. It is a spa of timeless design; it is in no way, compact. It is what you would find in an out of town location, a destination spa that makes it special.
THE GREAT FIRE OF KNIGHTSBRIDGE
In 1899, a dramatic fire struck the property, watched by thousands the fire damaged the top three floors of the Knightsbridge wing and destroyed part of the roof, including the central iron glass turret. All the residents made a successful escape, despite the fire brigade’s ladders only reaching halfway up the building. After the fire and all the necessary renovations were complete, the building was reopened in 1902 as London’s newest and grandest hotel. The ceilings and marble floors had survived, and period fireplaces in the style of Louis XV and XI were installed. Furnishings were chosen in the eighteenth century style of Shearaton and Hepplewhite.
Between 1911 and 1912 the Ballroom was redecorated in a style reminiscent of Louis XI in 1925 Mews and Davis, who also remodeled some of the principle rooms in a traditional Louis XV style. The hotel has most certainly had many famous visitors including The Queen, as well as Philip and the late Queen Mother. 1992 was the year of the production of Pavarotti in Hyde Park, one of the largest ever open-air concerts. Most recently the hotel was proud to host the 80th birthday party of the late Baroness Thatcher.
A few of the North American hotels include: Mandarin Oriental, Atlanta at Buckhead has 127 rooms and housed in a 42-floor skyscraper. The one in Boston is a Forbes five-star AAAAA five-diamond hotel. Las Vegas has a Forbes Triple five-star, 392 guestrooms and suites non-gaming, also ones in New York and Washington DC.
A SUITE FOR A ROYAL
The Royal Suite sets a new standard in London, provides a home away from home for the world’s travelling elite. Following an extensive renovation by RPW Interior Design, this prestigious suite opened in August 2010. Remaining true to its elegant Victorian architectural heritage but introducing a fresh, contemporary style, the expanded suite of 242 square meters has a distinctly residential feel, it includes a master bedroom and bathroom, separate living room, dining room and kitchen and two adjoining additional bedrooms all of which evoke a feeling of staying in a chic city apartment. The raised ceilings and streamlined furnishing encourage a light and spacious atmosphere, complemented by a sweeping balcony of a further 70 square meters that runs the length of the magnificent suite and is large enough to entertain up to 40 guests in the summer months.
A unique partnership with the Halycon Gallery allows for original artworks to be showcased throughout the Royal Suite. These pieces, including a very impressive Sculpture in the living room which mimics the one in Hyde Park and tribal African sculpture on the terrace. These pieces will be exchanged regularly and guests will also have the purchase any desired artwork.
In Mandarin Oriental’s true, signature style, the finest quality is apparent in the detailing of the suite. From the ornate Maya Romanoff wallpaper in deep aborigine in the lobby area to the bespoke, a double-tiered rock crystal chandelier in the dining room, a feeling of warmth and opulence resides throughout.
Bar Boulud, London and Dinner by the internationally well-known Heston Blumental, the first London restaurant for one of UK’s most innovative chefs, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park stands at the culinary center of London.
It is regarded as a French inspired, bistro and wine bar and is directly accessible from Knightsbridge and follows the successful format of Bar Boulud in New York, which has achieved significant acclaim and awards.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and The Fat Duck Group joined forces to create Dinner by Heston Blumenthal; it was Chef Heston Blumenthal’s first London restaurant, which opened at the award-winning restaurant.
Focusing on dishes inspired by Britain’s historic gastronomic past Dinner by Heston Blumenthal features a menu with recipes dating as far back as the 16th-century such as Meat Fruit of mandarin, chick liver parfait and grilled bread, Spiced Pigeon with Ale and Artichokes and Tipsy cake made with spit roast pineapple and served with Jersey cream, that sounds the tops.
HAVEN OF TRANQULITY
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, London, is a haven of tranquility within Knightsbridge, using Mandarin Oriental’s signature product line developed specially for the group by the award-winning UK based company Aromatherapy Associates. The spa tailors treatments to the specific needs of each guest, very much a bespoke spa.
The Spa offers a series of innovative and restorative treatments known as Time Rituals what were regarded as precious time rather than a specific treatment, each ritual begins with a recommendation by the spa manager to arrive 45 minutes ahead of the actual treatment, the period of preparation enables all guests to fully immerse themselves in the philosophy of the spa by relaxing within the separate male and female areas.
A Vitality Pool has been designed to aid the release of tired and aching joints; it contains a selection of hydropthaery body jets, a floor jet as well as reclining lounger with jets to gently massage the body.
The spa menu eclectic combination of Mandarin Oriental’s own signature therapies, together with treatments and journey by Aromatherapy Associates and Linda Meredith, consistently rates as one of the leading urban day spas.
A new Fitness Centre is fully equipped with latest cardio and resistance training, this includes a Kinesis Vision Unit, that is programmed with a time-efficient and results-orientated training for beginners, intermediate and advanced levels. A really extensive treatment menu is available, with many bespoke treatments.
IT’S TIME FOR US GUYS
There are plenty of choice for us guys to choose from, TIME FOR MEN is a Mandarin Oriental’s bespoke Time Ritual treatment to encouraged guys to book time rather than specific treatments, so that services can be tailor-made to meet ones requirements, an in-depth consultation will determine your needs and create an experience.
AROMA SHELL RELEASE
Combining hot lava shells and cold glacial shells to ease muscular problems and inflammation, this treatment focuses on deep tissue work to ease tension. The radiating heat soothes muscular aches and pains and allows for a deeper massage, while the cold shells provide relief from muscular discomfort and swell thus preventing inflammation. The 3 differing degrees of temperature also invigorates the lymphatic system and assist in healing and mobility.
There are a number of Mandarin Oriental Signature Spa Therapies.
ORINETAL HARMONY
Four hands work in perfect unison in a remarkable experience that inspires a harmony of the senses. The treatment begins smoothing footbath in purifying waters, leaving the feet soft and supple and the mind relaxed. Next, two therapists work together in time and movement, first providing a warm scrub that smooth’s and replenishes the skin and later a harmonious massage that balances the body. The treatment concludes with a simultaneous head and foot massage leaving the mind uplifting, the body energized and the skin exotically fragrant, a wonderful two hours of relaxation.
JEWEL IN THE PARK
A wonderful healing and regenerating treatment, starting with a welcoming foot ritual and a full-body scrub with a warming ginger, uplifting Mandarin and sacred frankincense to prepare the body for the crystal body massage. A crystal will be chosen by the guest to determine which area of tension the therapist will concentrate on.
COUTURE FACIAL
The reputation of Linda Meredith’s beauty treatments and expertise has become a focal point with famous people across the world for over 20 years. The therapist will thoroughly assess your skin and selective unique combination of products for an immediate improvement. A luxurious massage will feed the skin with encapsulated vitamins and essential nutrients to increase hydration, leaving your looking fresh and flawless.
Travelling home from the West of London, I have visited the Orient in London, what the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London offers is a feeling of the East in London.
Learn more at The Mandarin Oriental website